Enhancing the Transition Capability of Danish Biomass Technology By Applying a Futures Study Backcasting Methodology on the Biogas Sector

This paper discusses how the Danish biogas sector can achieve the political goals set out by the Danish government, in order to turn around the currently weak implementation of the technology. Biogas technology provides many environmental and energy related benefits, but the transition capability of the technology has so far not been supported by a stable policy pushing the sector in the right direction. The paper argues that a more holistic and consistent support for the biogas sector must be developed, enhancing its independence from shifting Danish policy regimes. This could be achieved by applying a backcasting methodology in combination with future research activities which are identified by means of energy chain analysis. The paper stresses that future Danish biogas research should be applied all along the sector's energy chain, and not just in parts of it, looking at enhancement of the transition capability within 'Resources', 'Technology/Conversion' and 'Distribution/End-use'. The future research activities, proposed in this paper are interconnected and thought backwards with the goal of creating reachable aims for achieving the political targets set forth before the year 2020 and 2050.